10 Endangered Amphibians – Frog Blog
Since 2004, it has been noted that amphibians are one of the groups facing the largest rates of endangerment. An estimated 42% (at least) of amphibian species have declining populations.
1.) Most people know the little guy pictured above, many people also think that he’s a type of fish… This is the axolotl (Ambystoma Mexicanum). They are a critically endangered species of salamander, that unlike others, retain their larval traits for their entire lives, remaining fully aquatic. The main cause of their endangered status is the release of koi to their native habitat, where they were once an apex predator.
2.) The lemur leaf frog (Agalychnis lemur) is a tree frog native to Costa Rica, and Panama. The exact cause of their rapidly declining population has not been pinpointed, but, may be caused by invasive species being introduced, logging, and urban development expanding into the rainforests.
3.) This lumpy lad is the Red-belly toad (Melanophryniscus admirabilis it can be found (rarely, due to them being critically endangered) in the Southern forests of Brazil. Their population continues to suffer due to the trapping of terrestrial animals, and pollution.
4.) Wow, this little frog is capable of a lot more than having striking gold skin. Not only can he kill you, but he is getting killed. This is the golden poison frog (Phyllobates terribilis). Native to the Pacific coast of Colombia. These frogs are EXTREMELY toxic (due to the insects they consume), but they are still an important part of their ecosystem. They’re put in danger by the decimation of the rainforests that they inhabit.
5.) This pointy nosed frog is known as Darwin’s frog (Rhinoderma darwinii) they can be found in Chile. Their declining population can be linked to commercial development, climate change, logging, and agriculture in the areas they inhabit.
6.) The Chinese giant salamander is the largest amphibian on the planet, and simultaneously one of the most critically endangered for many reasons.
7.) This is the reticulate leaf frog (Pithecopus Ayeaye), native to a few sparse forests in Brazil, they are critically endangered mostly due to human interference with their habitat. Pollution, and coal mining are some of the top things putting these little guys at risk.
8.) This boy; This boy right here is called Romeo. Romeo is a sehuencas water frog (Telmatobius yuracare). In the wild there are currently only FIVE left. Recently, after 10 years of being part of a breeding program, Romeo finally got his Juliet… (results are yet to be released, wish this handsome man luck.)
R.I.P Toughie
9.) Above is a picture of Toughie, who was the world’s last Rabbs’ fringe-limbed tree frog (Ecnomiohyla rabborum). Toughie’s species wasn’t described until 2005, and shortly there-after, went extinct in 2016. He was collected in a race against chytrid fungus that was rapidly spreading across Panama.
10.) Lastly, the wrinkly little Titicaca water frog (Telmatobius culeus) has been critically endangered for quite some time now, and due to severe water pollution, in 2016 over 10,000 of these frogs were found dead. Their population continues to suffer today.
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